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----  all the dog-on news you can muster  !!!  ----

Security Dogs In Demand As Crime Rates Rise - September 25, 2008
by Brian Brus; The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – A tough economy means a strong job market for immigrants – at least in the case of German Shepherds, Angel Soriano said in an interview with The Journal Record this week.

“Where other industries seem to be hurting, certainly the security industry does not,” said Soriano, operator of K9 University in Oklahoma City.

REI Airs Commercial Featuring K9 University - August 31

REI featured K9 University in a recent commercial about their services. We at K9U are very greatful to Rural Enterprices Inc. , and Yukon Nationa Bank for all they do to ensure we stay successful in our business.

Low Stress, Lots of Love: It's a dog trainers life - August 15, 2008.
By Paula Burks; NewsOK.Com

Angel Soriano can't recall a time he wasn't around dogs. When he was a boy in New Jersey, his dad always owned a couple of German shepherds. Today, Soriano has five shepherds at home. At work — at K9 University in northwest Oklahoma City — he's surrounded by all breeds of pooches.

Canadian County Sheriffs Get New Drug Dogs - August 15, 2008.
By KSBI TV-52 News . . . . . .

. . . . The Canadian County Sheriff's Department is increasing its presence in the metro by adding a few good men.  But it's not who you might expect.  Two canines will help catch people bringing drugs into the county.  A few years back, three canine units worked hard patrolling the area and finding millions of dollars in contraband.  So, new Sheriff Elect Randy Edwards, promised to bring it back.  And with a little help, he was able to do that even before he took office. Asta, a 13-month-old German Shepard is the newest addition to the Canadian County Sheriff's Department, which was donated by K9 University.

"DogMan" seen in "The Ladies Room" - July 2008
By NewsOK - News9.com

. . . Angel Soriano (aka.: DogMan) was recently interviewed by Angi, Paige, and Jacquelyn from "The Ladies Room" on News9. What is K9 University up to now? and why in "The Ladies Room?"

Man’s best friend trained to predict seizures - May 22, 2008
By Christian Price, News9.com INsite Team

....................

Kristen Spears, founder of the Ladybug Foundation...............................Dogs can be trained to predict epileptic seizures.

In an instant, a family's world was turned upside down by an epileptic seizure.

Kelly lived with epileptic seizures since the age of 13. Ultimately one took her life at the age of 28. Her family decided to turn their tragedy into something positive and to help other families so that they wouldn't have to experience what they did.

Kristen Spears established The Lady Bug Foundation. The foundation's mission is to provide special assistance dogs that are trained to detect the onset of seizures.

"We started the foundation in memory of my sister. She had an epileptic seizure," Spears said. "We started it in memory of her so that we could provide assistance dogs for other people that have epilepsy so that we could improve their quality of life."

Spears learned of special assistance dogs through her sister.

"Actually, before my sister passed away, she was interested in trying to get one. That's kind of how I heard about it through her," Spears said. "I thought, ‘Well, I'll try and do that for other people.'"

The foundation raises money several ways including the sale of barbeque sauce, which is a family recipe. The funds raised go toward the purchase and training of qualified dogs that are ultimately placed with people who suffer from epileptic seizures. 

Angel Soriano is the president of K9 University. He is the master trainer of the specialized dogs.

"We start them very young. We start them at eight to 10 weeks of age. We start the selection process, we test them, we find the right specimen and then we go through the training," Soriano said. "The training lasts about 18 months and once fully trained they end up in some needed home; somebody that has seizure spells and needs this type of assistance."

The dogs are taught to recognize several changes that occur within a person's body that precedes an epileptic seizure.

"There are electrical changes that occur in the body. Scent changes occur and the dog will start triggering on those scents and the electrical changes," Soriano said. "Once they trigger, we teach them to do certain duties like getting somebody or getting medication or dialing 911. There are a number of assistance points that we can teach them to do."

The Lady Bug Foundation is in constant need of support. They accept monetary donations or you can help out by simply buying a bottle of barbeque sauce. 

The foundation will be hosting a fundraiser on May 30 at Yukon National Bank in Yukon.  They will be selling fresh grilled pulled pork barbeque sandwiches along with chips and bottled water for a $5 donation.

For more information about the foundation, log on to www.theladybugfoundation.com.

Hundreds Affected by Tainted Pet Food - March 21, 2007
Inside Edition

Pet owners across North America are on alert thanks to the news that a Canadian pet food producer is recalling its product after two dozen pets died from eating it. One California family has been sitting vigil with their dog Pebbles who has been lying listless in a California animal hospital hooked up to an IV.  "There are people who say it's just a dog.  I get that but she's just more than that," Jeff Kerner, owner of Pebbles said on the verge of tears. Pebbles, an adorable seven-year-old Yorkshire terrier, is suffering from kidney failure - apparently the victim of tainted dog food.  Jeff and his daughter Michelle say they were shocked when their healthy dog suddenly became extremely ill. "She all of a sudden just vomited up her food," Jeff said.  "She got really lethargic and wanted to sleep."

It's a terrifying scene that is also being played out all around the country with hundreds - possibly thousands of dogs and cats becoming sick after eating contaminated food.    More than 60 million packages of dog and cat food have now been recalled.  Officials say all the contaminated food was produced by Menu Foods at their plant in Kansas between December 3rd and March 6th. The recall affects mostly wet "cuts and gravy" food sold under several name brands including Mighty Dog and Iams.  

List of the dog foods affected: http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html
List of the cat foods affected: http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html

If your pet displays signs such as loss of appetite, is lethargic, vomits, is excessively thirsty, or has diarrhea; your pet may be displaying signs of kidney failure. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

You may also contact:
ASPCA - 888-426-4435 (24 hours a day - 7 days a week). May charge a $55 fee for consultation.
K-State University - 785-532-5679 (24 hours a day - 7 days a week). No charge for consultation.

Source: FDA

"First Friend Club" / Canadian County 4H Club - August 19, 2006

Angel Soriano, K9 Press

Our very own graduates are getting involved in more doggy stuff. Yes, Debbie Doggett and Erica Doggett along with Daisy, their Golden Retriever, have all attended Puppy, Basic Obedience, Intermediate obedience, and are now heavy in a CGC / Therapy Dog Training program. To the big news; they have started a small animal club, which is sanctioned by the 4H Club, this new club is called "First Friend Club".

All dogs entering the "First Friend Club" must have current vaccinations, must be in good health, must have a collar with an ID tag, must be on leash, and must have a crate. All owners should also provide a water bowl, and a water bottle for their pet. Liability insurance payment is $1 per youth.

If you're interested in knowing more about how to get involved with this exciting new club, email Debbie and ask your questions. Get involved now, you'll love it. Club meetings usually take place at K9 University.

Therapy Dog Training at the University - August 16, 2006

Angel Soriano, K9 Press

Did you know that most dogs are wired to work? YES, work !!!. It is your job to figure out what that job may be. A canine job does not necessarily need to be that impressive Police Canine catching criminals, or finding drugs; or even a Search and Rescue dog finding a stranded victim somewhere. It can be that great family companion; how about the barking watch dog; or even just doing obedience; or Agility work; it can be as simple as going for walks (your own personal walking companion). All of these tasks are considered working tasks.

There is also the so impressive Therapy Dog (TDI). This is the dog and owner team that dedicate some of their time to go visit rest homes, or children centers or oven public engagements for the sole purpose of being therapeutic to someone who may enjoy the presence of a great mannered dog. These future Therapy Dogs are everywhere, and most people do not recognize them. They go unnoticed for this so important job, where they could be doing great service to someone. Let's not under play your own feelings of actually owning one of these greatly trained specimens. There is an unmistakable pleasure we receive out of witnessing people in less than fortunate conditions actually play, or pet, or even brush your furry friend. The smiles are beyond this world, and the work you do is simple a gift from above --- therapy at work !

Is your dog a candidate for Therapy Dog Training? Are you a candidate for Therapy Dog handling? To find out more, call your favorite trainer (k9U) and schedule an evaluation.

Did You Get A Puppy For Christmas?  -  December 29, 2005.

Angel Soriano, K9 Press

emergency rooms each year (Centers for Disease Control - CDC).   99% of all dog bites are preventable.   All of these behavioral issues causing these statistics started when your dog was a puppy, and were most likely dismissed as cute, or funny.  

All this to say that if you have a puppy, you'll need training.   Start now by calling your favorite dog trainer and get the help you'll need.   Ensure they offer behavioral classes for your pup, and accept training only from a certified trainer.   If you are one that adopted an adult dog, your new adult dog can also be trained; enroll in training immediately, do your homework, and have lots of patience.  Adult dogs require more training energy and patience from you, but you CAN be successful. 

Merry Christmas, enjoy your new addition, and most importantly, train your little friend.   There is no replacing today.

Therapy dogs fight off loneliness - December 27, 2005

The Oklahoman, Associated Press

Tulsa -- Four legged therapists are providing lots of companionship to residents of a Tulsa nursing home.    Pistol, Pete, Patience and Patches are therapy dogs that Oklahoma State University professor Sherril Stone uses to test the importance of human-pet relationships.  

The dogs, each with a two-legged escort, circulate through the nursing home, ignoring wheelchairs, and oxygen tanks to focus instead on the people.  

Stone, assistant professor and director of research for OSU's Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, said there are many theories as to why people enjoy animals, but she believes the human-animal bond has to do with unconditional love.    For nursing home resident Paul Standley, the animal visits help break up the monotony of his days.    "I have more time than anything else and this helps break up the time", said Standley, 53, who has had several strokes.   "I love dogs --- I had four growing up.   I look forward to this."

Maxine Franis, 83, shares a similar sentiment and believes the dogs not only give people something to look forward to, but help "lift up their spirits."   Franis' thoughts are in line with research in the field of human and animal relations, Stone said.    Animals have been shown to lower people's blood pressure, lead to a longer life and ease depression, she said. 

Lost Dog Statistics - July 27, 2005

National News

Did you know that the most commonly lost dog in America is the Labrador Retriever.   Their high energy and typical friendly behavior makes them a target for both wanting to roam and escape, as well as keeping them from being returned to their rightful owner.   News flash folks; if you found a dog, and kept him, he will most likely escape again.

Here are the top 9 most commonly lost dogs in America. 

       1- Labrador Retriever

       2- German Shepherd

       3- Mutt

       4- Chihuahua

       5- Pit Bull

       6- Dachshund

       7- Jack Russell Terrier

       8- Golden Retriever

       9- Chow Chow

Yukon Review (OK) - May 21, 2005

Our "Avoiding Dog Bites" class was a total success.   If we can eliminate a single dog bite by this education, we consider it a great day.   The statistics are overwhelming.  

Daily Oklahoman (OK) - April 20, 2005

Just one more great story that truly defines the great temperament of our furry friends.  Read on, this a great story.

Dogs are constantly in the news

Dogs are in the news for many reasons. Search and rescue stories are frequent and are a wonderful testament to the versatility and courage of our K9 friends. We also hear about dogs saving their owners by alerting them of danger, protecting them from harm, and as valuable living companions to the sick, young, and others who enjoy their famous faithfulness.

We can help provide additional depth of understanding to you concerning the incredible capabilities that dogs have to enrich our lives. Check back here often to here more about dogs and the roles they play in our world.

We're always looking for great dog stories, if you have one and would like to share it with us, please email us.